Brewers To Sign Ivan De Jesus

The Brewers have agreed to a minor-league deal with infielder Ivan De Jesus Jr., according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (via Twitter). The 29-year-old, a right-handed hitter, could conceivably battle for a utility role in cam.

After bouncing around the league, De Jesus found a home in Cincinnati in 2015. Over the past two years there, he has taken 465 plate appearances — by far his most extensive big league work. De Jesus also spent time in the majors briefly with the Dodgers and Red Sox in 2011-12. Though he played in over one hundred games last year with the Reds, and remained controllable at the league-minimum salary, Cinci bounced him from its 40-man roster and De Jesus took his free agency.

Despite his lengthy look, De Jesus hasn’t exactly impressed with the bat at the game’s highest level. In his pair of seasons with the Reds, he hit just .249/.311/.341 with five home runs — which is about 25% worse than a league-average hitter. Of course, De Jesus is valued much more for his defensive versatility. He spent time at short, second, third, and even first base and the corner outfield in Cincinnati.